Icadia leads you through the garden of dead flowers,
up to the huge blackwood door. This castle must have been beautiful
at one time, but that is a time long-past. All that remains
now is dark grey stone, lifeless, browning flowers and plants, and... whatever
else may dwell inside. Well, you think, you are about to find
out, first-hand, what that might be.
Icadia knocks loudly on the black door; you can hear
the sound echoing off of the stone walls inside of the castle. Minutes
pass, and Icadia taps her foot impatiently. After grumbling
a bit, she knocks again, louder. The door shudders and creaks
open. You are startled to see that no one is behind it.
'Well, it's about time...' Icadia huffs. She
steps over the threshold, motioning for you to do the same. You
cautiously follow her inside, jumping as the door slams shut behind you.
'Welcome, human,' a voice whispers. It sounds
like wind traveling through the hallway. 'Welcome to Castle
Srilan. Please, make yourself at home. Also, feel
free to stay for... dinner.' The owner of the voice chuckles
softly.
'Lady Aslinda,' Icadia growls, 'this is a visitor! You
know what that means : no eating! Now show yourself, you're
frightening the human.' The angel smirks at this last comment. You
hear a sigh, and moments later, a beautiful woman dressed in red steps
out of the shadows. She smiles charmingly at you, her eyes filled
with hunger.
The vampire curtsies gracefully before you. 'I
am Lady Aslinda, your host. We do appreciate the occasional
visitor, even if we are not allowed to taste.' Aslinda ducks
her head in what appears to be an apology; you are not so sure. 'Please,
feel free to travel at your will. Some areas of the castle are
being repaired, but a few are open. I will even introduce you
to the other inhabitants.' She grins evilly at you, making you
shiver.